Rifle Scopes I need some help with picking a scope.

[Terryw123]

Hey everyone! I'm in the process of building a Remington 700 .308 and the last decision I need to make is the scope. I'm leaning towards the Nightforce F1 or the ACTAR. I think the biggest reason for looking at the ACTAR is because of all of the great reviews. I'm thinking the 5-25 might be too much but I really like the MIL-R reticle. If they offered that reticle in the F1 it would be a slam dunk. I would really like input from people that have both. I keep hearing the ACTAR glass blows the NXS glass out of the water. It will be my first quality scope. Please help I am a new to the sport and I can't get my hands on either scope because as far as I know there aren't any dealers in San Diego that stock these scopes. Thanks!


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[pepper 2111]

I can't give any input on those, but I never miss an opportunity to give a recommendation for the vortex razor. I have the 5-20 with the simple and clean ebr2 reticule and love it. They're just introducing a 3-18 and a 4.5 - 27. Might be worth looking at if you're open to other options

 

[FALex]

the F1 is a first focal plane reticle and the ATACR's are second plane. Are focal planes a consideration for your purchase?

 

[jimmykm21]

They are both great scopes but the biggest reason as you said should not be the great reviews of the ACTAR.

You have to decide if you want a first or second plane scope. As to the 5 - 25 mag on the ACTAR , no it would not be too much on a .308 rifle.

 

[Km22]

Hey everyone! I'm in the process of building a Remington 700 .308 and the last decision I need to make is the scope. I'm leaning towards the Nightforce F1 or the ACTAR. I think the biggest reason for looking at the ACTAR is because of all of the great reviews. I'm thinking the 5-25 might be too much but I really like the MIL-R reticle. If they offered that reticle in the F1 it would be a slam dunk. I would really like input from people that have both. I keep hearing the ACTAR glass blows the NXS glass out of the water. It will be my first quality scope. Please help I am a new to the sport and I can't get my hands on either scope because as far as I know there aren't any dealers in San Diego that stock these scopes. Thanks!


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The glass is better on the ATACR does have great glass, but how much do you care about FFP or 2FP? I have a 5.5-22x and a 3.5-15x F1, with a BEAST (same glass as ATACR) on order. I have absolutely no complaints with my F1. The glass is more than good enough for me.

 

[Notso]

To the OP, First of all you have to decide what you want to do WITH the scope. How will it be used (hunting, paper, steel, tac matches, F-class, etc)? What is the likely max range it will be used? Will you do much unknown range work? Do you expect the rifle/scope to get beat up and abused?

A 5-25x is never too much unless you will not shoot past 100 yds, ever. And even then I still don't think its too much.

Personally, if I had to choose - I would ALWAYS take an FFP over an SFP. There is just no reason not to. The FFP gives you far more flexibility to do things with it that you can do with an SFP. And the price gaps are narrowing to the point that it just doesn't make sense not to get an FFP. Nothing wrong with SFPs - they work and you can make hits as far as you can see the target and the gun will get there. The FFP just does more for you.

No matter what you do - make sure the reticle matches the turrets. i.e. Mil reticle = mil turrets. Or MOA and MOA. DO NOT mix and match! NF and Leupold used to be notorious for this and whoever came up with those abominations needs a boot in the nutsack, IMHO.

Whether you go Mil or MOA is personal choice and they work equally well. Just be aware that mil is the world standard and the US military standard, so MOA is becoming less and less common. Not quite anachronistic yet, but soon......

I can't speak to the ATACR, but I was underwhelmed with the several NXS I shot. Nice scopes, glass is decent. In that price range ($2000+) I expect the internals mechanics to work - so for me the optical quality is the discriminator. If you can afford it and can afford to wait a LONG time - the BEAST should be nice by all accounts.

I have shot the 1st Gen Vortex RAZOR and they were really nice. The only thing that bugs me about them is they stop at 20x. I like more personally. Also call Sportoptic and ask about the Steiner Military 5-25x. They hooked me up with a NEW one for not much more that what you're talking about <$3K). Tell them you're a SH member and see what they can do.

The bottom line is don't go by scope reviews. Something may be a fantastic scope with rave reviews, yet still not meet your requirements. Decide first what you NEED, and then find those scope that match those requirements. Don't get something just because its shiny and people like it.

 

[Crosshair]

The F1 is an excellent FFP scope with perfect mechanics and is utterly durable. It has great resolution, but is a little bit lacking in contrast compared to some other similarly priced high end options.

Other FFP's to look at in the mid 2k range:

Steiner 3-15x50 M5Xi Military 34mm Rifle Scope
U.S. Optics 3.2-17x44 LR-17 30mm Riflescope
Premier Heritage 3-15x50 Light Tactical Riflescope
Leupold 3-18x44 Mark 6 34mm Riflescope
Kahles 3-12x50 Competition K 312 II 34mm Riflescope
Vortex 3-18x50 Razor HD Gen II 30mm Rifle Scope

If you decide SFP is acceptable for your uses, you won't do better than the ATACR. For FFP, any listed here you'd likely be very happy with, including the F1.

 

[sib1948]

Of the 2 you mentioned, would definitely recommend the ATACR, but feel you best bang for your buck is the Vortex Razor HD 5-20X with 10mil turrets and EBR-2B reticle. 20X is plenty of magnification shooting 308 and it's FFP and illuminated. Mile High Shooting has had them with 35mm Suphr mount with built in level for $1999! Top quality glass and mount for the price.

PS-Best to buy anything expensive online from a reputable dealer as most Hide supporters are since you usually get SnipersHide discount plus free shipping and no tax, which really adds up on expensive items!

 

[Terryw123]

So to answer a couple questions, I'm torn on FFP and SFP. I understand the benefits of a FFP. Since I am basically just getting into this, I feel like with ACTAR I could compromise to a SFP and later sell it and buy a BEAST when they are more readily available. I think it would be a slam dunk with the F1 if NF offered the same reticles in the F1 and the BEAST. Thanks for all the recommendations. I will explore these other scopes as options.

As far as uses, at least for a couple years while I have young kids it will just be the occasional trips to the range for stress relief and hopefully building the basics of marksmanship. Then hopefully shooting some tactical completions. Seriously thanks for the help. For me there are no dumb suggestions.


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